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ColoradoHB26-11562026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Department of Higher Education Supplemental

Sponsored By: Emily Sirota (Democratic), Jeff Bridges (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State Revenue & Budget

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

12 provisions identified: 12 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

College Opportunity Fund stipends set

Beginning July 1, 2025, COF stipends pay $3,480 per 30 credits at public colleges. At participating private colleges, stipends pay $1,740 per 30 credits. Your stipend scales with the credits you take and helps reduce your bill.

More need-based aid and scholarships

The state boosts student aid starting July 1, 2025. It provides $259.9 million for need-based grants to lower-income students. It also adds $10 million to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Fund. If you qualify, these dollars can lower what you pay for college.

Big operating funds and tuition contingency

Beginning July 1, 2025, colleges receive large state payments to run programs: about $632.5 million for general contracts, $214.0 million for specialty education, and $6.4 million for limited‑purpose contracts. The state also sets a $75 million tuition/enrollment contingency from governing boards’ tuition revenue. This keeps institutions funded and able to serve more students when enrollment rises.

More paid campus jobs for students

Starting July 1, 2025, the state funds $23.1 million for work-study. Colleges use this money to offer part-time jobs to students. You can earn wages to help pay for school.

Research and science funding at colleges

The state funds campus research and science. Starting July 1, 2025, it provides $2.8 million for competitive research grants and $2.62 million for the Colorado Geological Survey. It funds $3.08 million for the CSU–Pueblo cannabis research institute, plus $3.8 million for FY 2024–25. It also supports the veterinary school’s facilities and WICHE programs, including optometry.

More funding for addiction treatment

Starting July 1, 2025, the state gives $4.25 million to the University of Colorado’s center for substance use disorder services. The center expands prevention, treatment, and recovery supports. Families who need help may see more services available.

College readiness help for students

Beginning July 1, 2025, the state reappropriates $5 million for GEAR UP. The program offers advising and support to help students get ready for and succeed in college.

Funding for inclusive college programs

Starting July 1, 2025, the state provides $450,000 for the Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program. These funds help colleges expand inclusive programs so more students can participate and succeed.

Grants to grow rural teachers

Beginning July 1, 2025, the state funds $1.21 million for rural teacher recruitment, retention, and development. It also funds $648,477 for teacher mentor grants. These grants help schools attract, keep, and mentor teachers in rural areas.

Tools to cut student costs

Beginning July 1, 2025, the state funds open textbooks and course materials to lower student costs. It supports a financial aid assessment tool to help you understand aid options. It also funds an online platform that helps students find public benefits.

Workforce credentials and forestry training

Starting July 1, 2025, the state funds work to build stackable credential pathways. It also provides $766,418 for forestry education grants for FY 2024–25, available through June 30, 2026. These programs help learners gain job-ready skills.

Higher-ed administration and oversight funding

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, the state funds $6.5 million for the Higher Education Commission and $1.1 million for the Private Occupational Schools Division. It also funds $6.8 million for Department of Higher Education employee pay and benefits. This keeps statewide higher‑ed oversight and staffing in place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Emily Sirota

    Democratic • House

  • Jeff Bridges

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Eliza Hamrick

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Rebekah Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Lorena Garcia

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Tammy Story

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    3/12/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    3/11/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    3/11/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    3/11/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    2/20/2026Senate

  6. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

    2/19/2026Senate

  7. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    2/18/2026Senate

  8. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Appropriations

    2/17/2026Senate

  9. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    2/12/2026House

  10. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Floor

    2/11/2026House

  11. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole

    2/10/2026House

  12. Introduced In House - Assigned to Appropriations

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

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